Lord Von Costa landed the first stakes win for his sire Von Costa de Hero in the LR Creswick Series Final (1200m) at Flemington.

Von Costa de Hero (Encosta De Lago) stands at Riverbank Farm and he completed a feature double on Saturday with Lady Selkirk successful in the $120,000 Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m).

Stephen Brown trains Lord Von Costa for part-owner and breeder Rhys Holleran and will aim him towards the spring.  “We took him to Darwin and the change of scenery has been the key to his improvement,” Brown said.  “The new environment did him a favour.  When you move them around, like Darren Weir does, they really do well.

“He’s still learning and the best is yet to come.  He was a helluva horse to handle but is coming to the party now.”

Von Costa De Hero filly Lady Selkirk is also set for better things next season according to Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams.  She had beaten the colts last month and was too good for the boys again when she returned to Flemington for the Silver Bowl Final.

“We will give her a good break and come back for the summer,” Williams said.  “Then she could have a crack at races like the (G3) Mannerism Stakes in the autumn.

“She did take her time to figure out racing.  Her first prep was disappointing but she’s come back and is much more relaxed.  It’s onwards and upwards with her.”

Williams prepares Lady Selkirk for a syndicate that includes staunch stable clients Michael Rea and Greg Levey.  She was bred by Rea who is based at Hopkins Falls near Warrnambool.

Riverbank Farm owner Russell Osborne stands Von Costa De Hero alongside stakes winning newcomer Late Charge (Hard Spun) at Benalla.